Festivals of India 2026

India is a spectacular land of festivities, where every festival is celebrated with unmatched enthusiasm, vibrant carnivals, and centuries-old legendary traditions. Beginning with the very first month of the Gregorian calendar, January sets the tone for worldwide celebrations, marking a joyful start in every corner of the country and the globe.

People from all around the world gather in their hometowns to welcome the New Year (न्यू ईयर) with grand carnivals, theme parties, and fireworks on the 1st of January. Soon after, the much-awaited harvest festivals light up various states with great fervor and joy. Festivals like Lohri (लोहड़ी) in Punjab, Delhi, and Haryana; Ganga Sagar Snan (गंगा सागर स्नान) in West Bengal; Makar Sankranti (मकर संक्रांति) in Bihar and Uttar Pradesh; and Pongal (पोंगल) in Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, are celebrated with devotion and gratitude, marking an auspicious time for farmers and their crops across India.

January is also a proud host of significant national days. Some of these include Indian Army Day (भारतीय सेना दिवस), National Youth Day (राष्ट्रीय युवा दिवस). Among them, the most prominent is Republic Day (गणतंत्र दिवस), which is celebrated with grand parades and patriotic events lasting for three days, concluding with the majestic Beating Retreat ceremony.

This month also witnesses a blend of culture and creativity through many popular literary, dance, and folk festivals. These include the vibrant International Kite Festival in Ahmedabad, the renowned Jaipur Literature Festival (जयपुर लिटरेचर फेस्टिवल), the classical Modhera Dance Festival (मोढेरा नृत्य महोत्सव), the devotional Kenduli Mela (केंदुली मेला) in West Bengal. Meanwhile, the people of North Goa gear up for the annual Three Kings Feast (थ्री-किंग्स-उत्सव), marked by ten days of music, dance, and vibrant community celebrations.

Significant Hindu vrats like Paush Purnima (पौष पूर्णिमा), and Sakat Chauth (सकट चौथ) draw large crowds to the sacred ghats of Prayagraj and Varanasi for rituals and holy dips. For Sikhs, Guru Gobind Singh Jayanti (गुरु गोबिंद सिंह जयंती) is an auspicious occasion to visit prominent Gurudwaras across the country, offer prayers, and engage in charitable acts.

Explore and enjoy the panorama of Festivals / Fairs / Melas celebrated in India.